Amber warning for high winds on Thursday

HINCKLEY has been warned to brace itself for gale force winds this week as Storm Doris moves across the country.

The Met Office issued an Amber Warning for a large swathe of the UK, including Hinckley and Bosworth, for between 6am and 6pm on Thursday.

Second only behind a red warning, the alert warns residents to be prepared to take action as winds of over 50mph move through the area.

Issued yesterday (Tuesday), the warning says: “Some very strong winds are expected throughout Thursday in association with storm ‘Doris’ with a short period where gusts of 70 to 80 mph are possible,

“Whilst the strongest winds look to be only short-lived, damage to structures, interruptions to power supples and widespread disruption to travel networks are likely with a danger of injury from flying debris.

“Heavy rain is also likely through Thursday as well as some snow over high ground as the system clears eastwards.

“These may prove additional hazards. A developing area of low pressure is expected to move across the UK on Thursday.

“The exact timing and track of this system remain uncertain but there is potential for a short-lived core of very strong winds to develop.

“Whilst some disruption is expected outside of this stronger swathe of winds, the amber area looks most likely to see more significant disruption.”

Rain has been forecast for Thursday from around 9am until Noon.

Winds are then expected to drop throughout Thursday evening returning to normal by Friday morning.